On 2012-03-08, The Natural Philosopher wrote:

Adam Funk wrote:
On 2012-03-07, Andrew Gabriel wrote:

In article ,
Adam Funk writes:
On a related note, is there a good & easy way to destroy data CDs?
The shredders I've come across with CD slots just scratch the surfaces
up a bit rather than break them into bits.
I had a large pile, and didn't like the idea of feeding them
all through the microwave, in case it damaged it.

I did for them on the gas hob - A few seconds over the
burner for each one (held by pliers), and they're wrecked.
The smell is pretty bad though - need to open the window.

The smell (along with whatever else is in the fumes) is one reason I
don't like the microwave idea. (I keep my microwave oven in the
house.)


microwaving doesn't make a smel. It simply destroys the metallized layer
beyond all home of reading.

How much would burning a pile of these (let's say an A4 copy paper box
full) outdoors stink up & irritate the neighbourhood?

don't burn them MICROWAVE them

Full power 10 seconds and then stick it back in the CD drive and try and
read it

Maybe NCIS can read it, but no one in the real world

OK, I haven't tried it yet, so I wondered if it might heat the plastic
up.